Kootenai County’s economy continued its upward trajectory in 2025, with the North Idaho region adding approximately 3,000 jobs and the county’s average salary exceeding $55,000 for the first time. The broader five-county North Idaho region was projected to reach a population of 288,000 by the start of 2026.
The economic growth was driven by a diversified economy that included healthcare, technology, construction, tourism, and professional services. The median home price in the county reached $549,000 in November, up 4.3 percent from the previous year.
Economic development officials pointed to the region’s quality of life, recreational opportunities, and growing job market as continued drivers of in-migration from across the country. The challenge, they noted, remained ensuring that growth benefited existing residents as much as newcomers.